Model Rail

Model Rail magazine is the UK's biggest-selling magazine dedicated to railway modelling. Every issue is packed with the country’s finest home and club layouts, stunning photography, unbiased and in-depth product reviews, expert tips, layout plans and step-by-step articles that really show you how. In our unique ‘Workbench’ section, we tackle a wide range of modeling skills and projects. Our expert writers and model-makers will help you to get the most from your hobby and build the layout of your dreams. Model Rail is published 13 times a year, every four weeks.

Welcome

Model Rail

Life’s Better with Model Rail

Meet the team behind the UK’s best modelling magazine

Model Rail essential information

Opening the box • The latest happenings from the world of model railways

News

Staff Show & Tell Keep on trucking • The pandemic led George Dent to rediscover his love of building model trucks – so much so that he wrote a book about it!

Show & Tell • The place to share your projects with the Model Rail community.

According to Chris… • Chris Leigh’s fear of heights doesn’t mix well with his liking for big bridges.

Dream depot • Beeching may have erased some of our railways, but for Bob Tiller it presented the opportunity to showcase his collection of models, and depict an alternative reality of Bournemouth West.

Workbench • 17 pages of projects, advice and top tips that show you how

HOW TO BUILD A DEPOT... WITH A DIFFERENCE • Angling for something a little out of the ordinary – and inspired by a number of prototype locations – George Dent decided to model a 1970/80s diesel stabling point, based around the remains of a steam shed.

PROJECT INSPIRATION DEPOTS... WITH A DIFFERENCE • George Dent presents seven prototype locomotive sheds that would make for eye-catching, slightly unorthodox layout features, for the steam or modern traction eras.

INSTALL SPEED RESTRICTION SIGNS • George Dent adds some vital – but often overlooked – trackside details.

ENHANCE BACHMANN’S MK 2a COACHES • In his first attempt at detailing carriage interiors, Steve Nall aimed to replicate the distinctive fabric patterns on BR’s landmark carriages.

MAKE A PLOUGHED FIELD • After starting his farm in the last issue, Peter Marriott now experiments with crops, fashioning a ploughed field mat as we head towards the harvest.

Know your stuff • This is where our team of experienced modellers answer YOUR questions. Email your queries about railways – real or model – to modelrail@bauermedia.co.uk

Notes from the Workshop DAVE LOWERY’S TOP TIPS

RAILWAY MANIA’S RULE ONE

Tecnical tour de force • His shed is set in the 1960s, but Ray Norwood’s exhibition crowd-pleaser is controlled by cutting-edge technology.

Inbound/Outbound • Paul A. Lunn offers three potential plans for a large shunting layout in ‘OO’ gauge.

Reviews • In-depth and unbiased reviews of the latest products

Hornby LNER Thompson ‘A2/3’

Heljan Lyn

N Gauge Society Hunslet 0-6-0DH

Revolution Trains FWA ‘Ecofret’ Intermodal Wagons

Kato 4w electric locomotive

Third time’s the charm • Now with a dedicated railway room, Peter Burnage is building the third version of his London-based ‘Latchmere’.

Present your case • If there’s a locomotive that you think needs to be offered ready-to-run, here’s the place to voice your opinion…

Model Rail

Behind the Backscene • This month, geologist Michael Mazurkiewicz answers Model Rail’s quick-fire questions, revealing how it took 45 years to realise his dream of driving a train.